Upland businessman Mark Anthony Leggio and three other co-defendants entered not guilty pleas today in San Bernardino Superior Court during an arraignment on charges of alleged illegal campaign contributions in state political races.

Prior to the arraignment, Judge Bryan Foster denied a defense motion to dismiss the charges based on a late filing of an amended indictment by prosecutors. But prosecutors responded that they were simply complying with a deadline set by the court.

Foster responded that no specific date had been given, and that he “would try to be more specific in the future.”Continue reading →

However, any impact of the settlement on his criminal case in San Bernardino County remains to be seen, said Riverside County prosecutors who are pursuing the case after the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office bowed out, citing a conflict of interest.

“I don’t believe there will be any (impact),” said Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Michael Cabral when asked about the settlement with the state Fair Political Practices Commission.Continue reading →

Lawyers in the political corruption case against former assistant assessor Adam Aleman received additional evidence during an appearance this morning in Superior Court.

Aleman, who wore jeans and a blue golf shirt, stood next his lawyer Grover Porter during proceedings before Judge John Martin in San Bernardino Superior Court.

“We’re under the impression that there’s supposed to be some additional discovery here in court,” Porter told Martin, during the proceedings. A court clerk gave Martin manila envelopes, which appeared to be full of documents, and who then gave one each to the lawyers.Continue reading →